Today, the Legislature passed its version of the state budget, a framework that increases taxes and relies on subsidies from the federal government. Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama), Vice Chairman of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, issued the following statement:

“This budget does not solve the state’s financial problems. It prolongs the crisis, thereby, delaying and deepening the economic pain for Californians, especially those in need of state services.

“We need to cut spending now. It is irresponsible to give schools and recipients of state programs false hope that the federal government (i.e. federal taxpayers) will bail out the State of California.

“Employers – especially small businesses – have had to bear the brunt of this pandemic. Businesses are finally re-opening, many at limited capacity. Under this budget, there is another $4 billion in taxes heaped upon them for next year. How can they afford to stay open?”